Cyprus Mail 30 June 2023 - by Kyriacos Nicolaou
Bars and restaurants across Cyprus experienced a notable decline in occupancy rates, with the drop in guests ranging from 25 per cent to 30 per cent in June, according to Neophytos Thrasyvoulou, president of the association of entertainment venues on the island.
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), Thrasyvoulou attributed the decrease to the prevailing situation in all countries, marked by rapid inflation and accumulated economic problems, noting that “these circumstances could not leave Cyprus unaffected.”
Moreover, he emphasised that Cyprus is a small economy that requires proper measures to reverse this worrying trend, calling for action from the Deputy Ministry of Tourism and the government.
Describing specific regions across the island, Thrasyvoulou mentioned that in the free area of Famagusta, several tourists arriving at Larnaca airport travel to the occupied territories.
However, Larnaca seems to be less affected compared to other cities as it also attracts local visitors, he explained.
What is more, according to Thrasyvoulou, Paphos experienced a 35 per cent decrease in June.
In the Paphos district, some days see overcrowded entertainment venues, while on other days, their occupancy rate does not exceed 40 per cent, especially during weekends due to weddings, and other reasons.
In some cases, he continued, this is also due to day trips by visitors to Paphos.
As for Limassol and Nicosia, Thrasyvoulou stated that the decrease experienced by restaurants and bars is at similar levels, as residents of these areas tend to travel to other cities during weekends.
In the mountains and other rural areas, occupancy rates remain low, while an increase is observed in visitor numbers during weekends.
Thrasyvoulou expressed his hope for improved visitor levels in entertainment venues during July.
He also urged business owners to contribute to the enhancement of the quality of their services, and called on the government to invest in tourism, saying that the sector “had supported the local economy during challenging times”.
